On or about May 25, 2025, at approximately 8:54 AM, Mille Lacs County Deputy Bret Erickson was dispatched to 35053 180th Avenue, City of Onamia, County of Mille Lacs, State of Minnesota, for a report of two stolen trailers and a stolen three-wheeled go-kart. Deputy Erickson met W. J. G., fully identified the police report, at a maintenance road near the address provided herein. Upon arrival, Deputy Erickson observed fresh track marks in the mud consistent with where a trailer was removed. W. J. G. Described the trailer as an old tandem axle trailer.
A smaller trailer and a go-kart sat on top of the trailer. W. J. G. Stated that he intended to scrap the trailer and all items on it. W. J. G. Advised that, in the previous week, he kicked out trespassers driving a tan GM SUV near the same location as the missing trailer. W. J. G. Took a photo of the GM SUV. The license plate read EEY 762. It was determined to be altered with a permanent marker. The actual plate was LLY 452. Neither plate matched the vehicle's description in DVS. Deputy Pat Broberg located the tandem trailer and observed a tan SUV parked near it on 155th Avenue, also in the City of Onamia, County of Mille Lacs.
The trailer's tires were blown, causing it to become disabled. Deputy Broberg later initiated a traffic stop on the SUV on 125th Avenue near 350th Street. Deputy Broberg made contact with a male individual who identified himself as CORD WESLEY HUGG, [DOB REDACTED], the Defendant herein. The SUV was towing a trailer containing a go-kart frame (consistent with the small trailer and go-kart described as stolen herein). Deputy Broberg observed the altered license plates on the SUV. Deputy Broberg placed the Defendant under arrest.
The Defendant admitted to knowing about the trailer with blown-out tires. Minnesota State Trooper James Wikelius arrived on scene and ran the VIN for the SUV. Dispatch confirmed that the SUV was stolen out of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on March 25, 2026. Upon searching the SUV incident to arrest, Trooper Wikelius located the Defendant's wallet, which contained the Defendant's Social Security card. Deputy Erickson responded to Deputy Broberg's location. While en route, traveling east on 350th Street, Deputy Erickson observed numerous pieces of shredded tires consistent with the tires on the trailer.
Upon arrival on scene, Deputy Erickson confirmed that the trailer and go-kart were the items stolen from W. J. G. Deputy Erickson obtained a Mirandized statement from the Defendant incident to his arrest. The Defendant reported that his buddy, S. A. N., fully identified in the police report, picked him up in the SUV, and that he was never in control of the vehicle. The Defendant later admitted that he found the stolen SUV, but denied driving it. Deputy Broberg and Sergeant Holada made contact with S. A. N., who reported that the Defendant was dropped off at his house early that morning in a white Ranger truck.
